Volunteer Abroad in Mental Health, Psychology and Special Needs

Danielle Forshay

Volunteer Travel Researcher

Posted On Jul 26, 2017

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Volunteer Abroad in Mental Health, Psychology and Special Needs

Mental health is an important issue everywhere, and in many countries around the globe, there is still much work to be done to combat pervasive social stigma, discrimination and low quality of life. Many mentally disabled people simply do not have access to adequate care, or local superstition prevents them from receiving it. As a volunteer on a mental health or psychology placement, you will work to overcome these barriers and help communities embrace a mindset that approaches mental health matters with care and understanding.

Below, we've gathered some of the best international mental health volunteer opportunities available.

Plan My Gap Year

Ghana

The Ghana Mental Health & Psychology Experience placement from Plan My Gap Year is intended for current students of mental health or psychology, placing volunteers within a clinical setting at Tafo Government Hospital. Gain valuable insights into the structure and function of mental health services in Ghana today and become deeply involved in community outreach programs that seek to overcome stigma against mental health, encouraging patients to seek treatment at the first signs of mental illness. You'll have the opportunity to give talks about mental health in schools and other community centers, engage in direct outreach to community members who suffer from psychiatric issues, and make home visits to keep apprised of patient progress. Placements require a minimum of two weeks starting at $599 (£459).

Sri Lanka

Similarly, the Sri Lanka Mental Health & Psychology Experience was designed with students of psychology and mental health in mind. This placement is based in the Galle District of Sri Lanka, which was one of those worst affected by the 2004 tsunami, an event that left a lasting impact. Volunteers will gain insights into how mental health needs are addressed within a foreign culture. You'll spend time shadowing mental health professionals as they consult with patients; opportunities for hands-on involvement will vary depending on experience, willingness and program duration. You'll also become involved in community projects caring for mentally disabled children, creating engaging activities and supporting creative therapy. You must commit to a minimum of two weeks. Program costs begin at $586 (£449).

Projects Abroad

Jamaica

Based in Mandeville, the Psychology Project in Jamaica by Projects Abroad allows you to support a community suffering from increasing rates of mental illness. Work in a mental health clinic alongside qualified psychologists to provide direct care to patients suffering from mental illness. Daily tasks can include conducting interviews, engaging with patients, observing clinical assessments, assisting with research, collecting data, and conducting workshops or presentations. Alternatively, raise awareness in local communities, engaging in home visits, counseling sessions, conducting parenting workshops and classroom guidance sessions, and running a variety of seminars and special events. You must commit to four weeks on site, and the minimum cost is $3,680.

Mongolia

The Psychology Project in Mongolia is based out of Ulaanbaatar and gives volunteers the opportunity to assist local psychologists at a healthcare center. Geared toward serious students of psychology, this placement affords volunteers the opportunity to become involved in conducting research, preparing training or consulting materials for the resident psychologists, and possibly even performing psychometric tests, interviews and behavioral observation. There will also be a monthly opportunity to engage in medical outreach, which is an important service to the Ulaanbaatar community. Volunteers commit to a minimum of four weeks. Costs begin at $3,080.

Romania

Finally, Projects Abroad offers a special Social Work Internship in Brasov, Romania for students of social work in Brasov, Romania. You'll work alongside qualified professionals to test your existing skill set and knowledge - while developing new skills - as you assist staff in the daily running of orphanages, foster homes, hospitals and other centers. You'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of disabled children by putting in one-on-one time with them and encouraging them to participate in classes. There will also be the opportunity to put in face time with teenage mothers and contribute to their continued social development. The minimum commitment is four weeks and prices start at $3,680.

Volunteering Journeys

India

The Mental Health & Psychology Placement in India, developed by Volunteering Journeys, is ideal for those looking for the ability to customize their volunteering experience. Volunteers will primarily spend their time assisting experienced teachers in a special needs school, working to teach basic skills to disabled children aged 6 to 18 in a specialized environment. There is also potential to work on a wide variety of other regional programs relating to women and children. Overall, the efforts of volunteers will contribute to the support not only of disabled children themselves, but also their families and the communities surrounding them. Your experience in Kerala, South India can be as short as one week and cost as little as $849.

Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Peru

The Psychology & Mental Health Work Experience, which sends participants to placements in Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Peru, is ideal for medical students and health professionals. Placements are arranged at schools for disabled children, community centers, orphanages and in clinical settings. This program is mainly concerned with working against community stigma and addressing many of the issues that surround mentally disabled people in the region. Volunteers will teach special needs children basic life skills and work to create resources for the disabled community. Placements must last at least two weeks (except in Peru and Sri Lanka, where the minimum is one week), and program costs can be as low as $586 (£449), depending on location and length of stay.

When it comes to mental health issues, the bottom line is that there is a lot of important work to be done and not enough people willing to do it. This is your chance to step up and make a true difference!

Author Bio – Danielle Forshay is a former Fulbright grantee who has spent more than two years of her life living, working, and traveling in foreign countries, often in a volunteering capacity. She currently works as a freelance writer, primarily focusing on assignments that pertain to travel and culture.